The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), represented by the Handicrafts Directorate, held a press conference on the 14th of January 2018 at Al Jasrah Handicrafts Centre, to highlight the success of on the training workshops hosted in 2017.The sessions which were delivered by a total of 9 trainers, targeted craftsmen, individuals, academic instructors from the Ministry of Education, artists and charity members. A total of 156 trainees received certificates to commemorate their participation.The training workshops hosted in 2017 included brasswork, ceramic glazing, hand embroidery in collaboration with the Royal Charity Organization, mosaics, porcelain, engraving on gypsum, wood carving and metal casting.“Hosting these workshops comes as part of our handicrafts training programs. Our aim is to improve and develop the national workforce and help preserve the handicraft sector, a sector that has proved to be vital in enhancing Bahrain’s new identity under the slogan of ‘Ours. Yours’. The handicrafts sector is also paramount to further boosting the tourism industry in line with the BTEA’s goals and direction. We look forward to hosting more of these unique workshops and welcome all participants interested in the handicrafts field,” said the Director of Handicrafts Directorate at BTEA, Shaikha Wafa Saif Al Khalifa.This year, the Handicrafts Directorate will host various training workshops including raku pottery, forged iron, product packaging, leather crafting, hand embroidery, gypsum engraving and many more.

In addition, these workshops focus on developing the technical skills and expertise of local craftsmen and improving the quality of their work to produce handicrafts products of superior quality. This comes in line with the Handicrafts Directorate’s initiative to enable craftsmen to become professional trainers in the field and improve the skills of the national workforce.Hosting such workshops throughout the year comes in line with the BTEA’s keenness to preserve the Kingdom’s crafts and traditional industries for future generations.Furthermore, Al Jasrah Handicrafts Centre provides well-equipped facilities including spacious classes, internet connection and the latest safety and security systems to host various workshops.